Blair backs broadband Britain

Prime Minister Tony Blair has lead the charge to turn Britain into one of the world's strongest e-conomies, by championing broadband in a speech to the CBI.

Mr Blair said the UK was already one of the most connected economies in the world, Internet use was higher than in any other European country and that the next challenge would be broadband technology.

He added: "We are in the early days of broadband but it has the potential to revolutionise many aspects of our lives."

Mr Blair said that by getting schools, public services and other users across the country onto fast, always-on broadband connections, Britain could further cement its position as one of the world's leading technological nations.